50 Bonfire Night recipes (2024)

Bonfire Night sharing dishes

Catherine wheel sausage with honey and mustard

It’s not just the name that makes this dish perfect for a bonfire or firework party. The mix of sticky, sweet, savoury and a pop of heat from the mustard is exactly the kind of thing you want to be eating on a cold autumn night – fire blazing, scarves done up tightly and sparklers at the ready.

Toad-in-the-hole

Toad-in-the-hole is an absolute classic. Here we show you how to make this really simple sausage and batter recipe, ready in under an hour. Remember to serve with mustard!

Venison toad in the hole

This is a simple twist on a classic – swapping out everyday pork bangers for something a little more adventurous, perfect for keeping you warm on Bonfire Night.

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Butternut squash mac and cheese

Seasonal butternut squash is roasted, then added to creamy macaroni cheese for an autumnal twist on a comforting pasta bake.

Mac ’n’ cheese with ham and pickled onions

Our easy macaroni and cheese is packed with cooked ham, pickled onions and three types of cheese. Serve straight to the table and let everyone dig in.

Slow-cooker sausage casserole

Give your slow cooker some love with this winter warmer, packed with hearty ingredients including sausages, bacon and borlotti beans.

Giant cheese-stuffed Mexican meatballs

Dark chocolate and dried ancho chillies add richness and heat to this indulgent meatball bake. Serve for a Bonfire Night feast with friends!

Slow-cooker chilli

A bit of everything goes into this chilli to create the ultimate winter warmer – dark chocolate, lager and Worcestershire sauce along with plenty of herbs and spices. Throw all the ingredients into a slow-cooker and let the mince soak up the flavours for four hours. Try more of our best chilli recipes here...

Pig cheek goulash

Once the slow-cooked pork is meltingly soft, shred into the sweet, smoky tomato sauce and serve with ribbons of pappardelle for a hearty meal. Give everyone a bowl to tuck into while watching fireworks.

Campfire beans

This is an ideal one-pot dish to cook over the campfire – the beans are given delicious depth and smokiness from the flames.

Baked sweet potatoes with smoky beans

These baked sweet potatoes with smoky beans make a great match for Bonfire Night.

Bonfire Night snacks (finger food)

Need bonfire party food ideas to feed hungry guests while watching the fireworks or gathered around the fire? Check out our snacks for Bonfire Night here.

Sticky sausage baps with beer-braised onions

Everyone loves those little sticky co*cktail sausages you get at parties – so here is a super-size version in a soft bap.

Sweet potato melts with rosemary, garlic and chilli

Top your baked sweet potatoes with gruyère, cheddar and rosemary for a comforting winter warmer.

Pumpkin soup

Serve this in big mugs with fat fingers of melty cheese toasties for dipping.

Green chilli grilled cheese sandwich

Turn the heat up on Bonfire Night with one of our this melting, oozing cheesy toasties, spiked with chilli. Find even more toastie recipes here...

Easy camembert toppers

Having a Bonfire Night feast? We've jazz up baked camemberts with some quick and easy toppings, a great way to feed hungry guests.

Mozzarella sticks with spicy dipping sauce

These cheesy dippers are a perfect nibble to squirrel away for when you have friends round over fireworks season.

Cod dogs with tomato and dill relish and harissa lime mayo

The fiery mayo and refreshing salsa add the perfect finish to these cod dogs, a great alternate to hot dogs on a cold winter's evening.

Korean chilli-cheese fries

Load French fries with Korean chilli flakes, gochujang, coriander and plenty of cheese for an indulgent sharing dish to serve at your Bonfire Night gathering.

Bonfire Night desserts

Make one of our comforting Bonfire Night puddings for a warming way to end your savoury feast.

Parkin

This squidgy, ginger-spiked cake is a real classic, made with oats, treacle and warming mixed spice. It's the perfect comfort food for Bonfire Night.

Chocolate s'mores cake

S’mores, bonfire-torched marshmallows sandwiched between biscuits with chocolate, are a classic in the US for a reason. This recipe mashes up all of those flavours into one seriously epic cake.

Spiced toffee apple traybake

The apple sauce makes this cake deliciously squidgy. Serve warm as a pudding with cream or ice cream, or just at room temperature with a hot drink.

Banana split s'mores

Cooked bananas have a fragrant juiciness that’s ideal paired with salty biscuits and dark chocolate. This fun dessert is best made over a campfire and enjoyed outdoors.

Whisky caramel and banana self-saucing pudding

Add a splash of booze to this banana and caramel dessert for extra indulgence! Ready in under an hour, this comforting pud magically creates its own sauce and is best served warm with a dollop of ice cream, perfect for a warming sweet treat on a cold Bonfire Night. Discover more boozy bake recipes here.

Apple crumble

This classic dessert is a firm family favourite and you won't go wrong with this foolproof recipe. Light up the fire and hunker down with a bowl of comforting crumble.

Toffee apple crumble

Think classic, comforting crumble, only taken up a few notches with crunchy hazelnut and a coating of rich caramel over the soft chunks of apple.

S’mores chocolate pots

Here the classic US campfire snack of toasted marshmallow and chocolate squished between two biscuits is reworked to create an elegant layered dessert.

Ginger sticky toffee pudding

Check out these seriously decadent ginger sticky toffee puddings. A dark, rich toffee dessert spiked with fiery ginger – serve with cream, ice cream or custard before a night of sparklers and fire!

Teurgoule (rice pudding)

Soft, creamy and spiced, this slow-cooked rice pudding from Normandy is as good cold as warm, and particularly nice with stewed apples on the side.

Bonfire Night drinks

Bonfire Night means hot flasks of drinking chocolate, hot toddys and more. Try our warming drinks to take to the fireworks with you.

Luxury hot chocolate

Set up a little table outside with all the toppings, then let people help themselves to create their own take on the ultimate hot chocolate.

Hot toddy

Warm up this Bonfire Night with a hot toddy. We’ve used the traditional whisky here (single malt will really elevate the drink) but any dark spirit works well – try swapping it for bourbon, dark rum, cognac or calvados, or add a dash of orange or Angostura bitters.

White hot chocolate

Go all out on Bonfire Night with a large mug of velvety white hot chocolate, garnished with white chocolate fingers, mini marshmallows and whipped cream.

Vegan hot chocolate

This dairy-free hot chocolate is silky, sweet and topped with whipped plant-based cream – use oat or almond milk alternatives in this warming drink.

Eggnog latte

Put a rosy glow in your cheeks on Bonfire Night with this latte version of a classic winter co*cktail, made with eggnog, milk, espresso and a pinch of nutmeg for dusting.

Gingerbread latte

Fix yourself and your friends a round of warming gingerbread latte with Celeste Wong's guide, including how to make your own gingerbread syrup.

Mulled beer

Forget cider and wine, mulled beer a great alternative to drink over the cold and festive season – full of autumnal flavours of cinnamon, cloves, star anise and clementine.

Campfire co*cktail

This sweet and smokey Bonfire Night-inspired co*cktail is a great boozy way to heat up on a cold November night!

Spiked hot chocolate

A comforting, boozy hot chocolate is the perfect treat to warm up with when your outside enjoying fireworks with friends!

Mulled tea punch

This is a take on kinderpunsch, a non-alcoholic German drink served as an alternative to glühwein. Make it for an easy, booze-free drink over the festive season.

Blackberry whisky

The subtle spiciness of blackberries is a perfect match for whisky to warm the bones. Add in whole toasted spices (such as cardamom) to infuse.

Mulled hot chocolate

Use up leftover red wine to jazz up your hot chocolate over the cold and festive season. Fill a flask with this spiced hot chocolate and take to your local bonfire party to keep you warm.

Bonfire Night treats

Bonfire Night sweet treats don't get better than these indulgent baking ideas, from cinder toffee to toffee apples and blondies

Toffee apples

Crunchy, chewy, sweet and tart, these classic autumnal treats are often eaten at Bonfire Night.

Bourbon butterscotch toffee apple

Indulge in these boozy sticky toffee apples this Bonfire Night for a grown-up treat.

Toffee apple cake

Drizzle extra toffee or caramel sauce over this squidgy cake for an indulgent Bonfire Night treat – perfect for entertaining friends and family.

Chocolate orange brownies

Add Terry's Chocolate Orange to brownie batter and you get these deliciously decadent brownies, best enjoyed on a chilly November evening.

Baked toffee apple cheesecake

Everyone loves cheesecake, so give yours a Bonfire Night makeover with our decadent toffee apple dessert – an impressive way to end any dinner party on a cold Bonfire Night!

Wagon Wheel brownies

We are going old-school with these knockout jammie Wagon Wheel brownies. Wagon Wheels are one of everyone’s favourite lunch box treats, so we decided it was time to bring back this retro biscuit with a bit more va va boom.

Supermalt ginger parkin

Parkin is a classic Bonfire Night treat. Try our twist on this spiced cake. Fizzy drink Supermalt not only gives an extra malty edge but those bubbles work magically to lighten the sponge as well. If you can't find Supermalt, use cola or ginger beer for the bubble effect.

Baileys pecan blondies

Take your blondies up a notch and top with a white chocolate Baileys ganache to give them a boozy boost. They'd make a lovely treat to enjoy while watching the fireworks.

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Chocolate chip cookies

Fill your pockets with our perfect cookies – soft and chewy in the middle with a perfectly crisp outside. Packed with oozing dark chocolate and topped with sea salt flakes, these quick cookies will keep kids entertained on the way to the local bonfire.

50 Bonfire Night recipes (2024)

FAQs

What food is traditionally eaten on Bonfire Night? ›

Bonfire Night Food Traditions: Hot Dogs & Burgers

Hot dogs and burgers have become iconic staples of Bonfire Night celebrations, and for good reason. They're delicious and easy to eat gathered around a warm fire with loved ones.

What food do you serve at a bonfire party? ›

Bonfire Night recipes
  • Sticky cider onion hot dogs. A star rating of 4.4 out of 5. ...
  • Homemade toffee apples. A star rating of 4.4 out of 5. ...
  • Parkin. ...
  • S'mores dip. ...
  • Bonfire Night cookies. ...
  • Caramel pear blondies. ...
  • Catherine wheel toad-in-the-hole with honey & mustard onions. ...
  • Orchard fruit & cider tatin with cinnamon cream.

What is traditionally done on Bonfire Night? ›

Guy Fawkes Night makes an annual appearance in the English calendar every 5th of November, inviting revellers to light bonfires and fireworks across the nation as the autumn officially kicks in.

What not to do on a Bonfire Night? ›

Do not build the fire under any trees or bushes. Check there are no children or animals hiding in the bonfire before you light it. Place a barrier around the fire and keep everyone at least 5m away when it's lit. Only burn untreated wood and not any rubbish or other items.

What is the most popular campfire food? ›

Campfire Recipes: Breakfast
  • Bacon and Eggs From A Paper Bag. This hearty combo tastes even better in the woods than it does at the diner. ...
  • Cinnamon Granola-Stuffed Pears. ...
  • Potato Pancakes. ...
  • Warm Apple Crescents. ...
  • Lemon-Herb Trout. ...
  • Pepperoni Pizza Logs. ...
  • Gnocchi with Sage. ...
  • No-Dishes-Needed Chorizo and Couscous Dolmas.
Feb 27, 2024

How do you host a good bonfire party? ›

How To Host A Great Bonfire Party
  1. Check the weather... And the time of sunset.
  2. Make food prep a group activity.
  3. Have enough seating.
  4. Don't struggle to start the fire.
  5. Lighting is key.
  6. More s'mores please.
  7. Hot dog bar.
  8. Potlucks are a crowd-pleaser.

What do you bring to a campfire potluck? ›

Camping Potluck Meals
  1. Beer Cheese Soup. Kampgrounds of America. ...
  2. Slow Cooker Cajun Scramble. Kampgrounds of America. ...
  3. Slow Cooker Baked Apples. ...
  4. These Easy Pasta Salads Are Perfect Potluck or Picnic Companions. ...
  5. Summer Corn, Avocado & Black Bean Salad — Produce On Parade. ...
  6. Ridiculously Amazing Asian Ramen Salad.

How do you host a Bonfire Night? ›

Serve traditional bonfire night food like toffee apples, parkin (a sticky ginger cake), and marshmallows for roasting over the fire. Don't forget hot beverages like mulled wine, hot chocolate, or spiced apple cider to keep everyone warm and cozy throughout the evening. Looking for something to really wow your guests?

How do you throw a Bonfire Night party? ›

How to Host the Perfect Backyard Bonfire
  1. Make a shopping list — and stick to it. A shopping list is a crucial component for planning any event. ...
  2. Get comfortable. A night under the stars calls for cozying up. ...
  3. Put a new spin on s'mores. ...
  4. Keep beverages stocked. ...
  5. Protect your lawn... ...
  6. Keep the fun flowing.

Is Bonfire Night anti-Catholic? ›

In the past the event was a day to reinforce anti-Catholic sentiment and the power of the Protestant state. Effigies of Guy Fawkes and the Pope were traditionally burnt accompanied by anti-Catholic sermons in Church. Today, the festival has largely lost its religious and political connotations.

How do you prepare for a Bonfire Night? ›

Build the bonfire away from sheds, fences and trees. Check there are no cables (for example telephone wires) above the bonfire. Ensure there is a suitable barrier around the bonfire to keep spectators at least five metres away. Always check that no children or animals are hiding in the bonfire before lighting.

How can I make my bonfire more fun? ›

20 Fun Bonfire Night Activities, Games, and Ideas
  1. Spectacular Firework Display: Begin the evening with a bang by organizing a magnificent firework display. ...
  2. Bonfire Lighting: ...
  3. Traditional Food and Drinks: ...
  4. Guy Fawkes Effigy: ...
  5. Sparkler Fun: ...
  6. Treasure Hunt: ...
  7. Themed Costume Party: ...
  8. Bobbing for Apples:
Jul 9, 2023

What not to put on a bonfire? ›

Only burn dry wood, never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire and think about the direction of smoke travel. Keep some buckets of water nearby.

Why is Bonfire Night not banned? ›

In the immediate aftermath of the 5 November arrest of Guy Fawkes, caught guarding a cache of explosives placed beneath the House of Lords, James's Council allowed the public to celebrate the king's survival with bonfires, so long as they were "without any danger or disorder".

Why do we eat toffee apples on Bonfire Night? ›

It's because Halloween and Bonfire's Night happen after the annual apple harvest. It's also because the weather needs to be cool, not hot or humid, for the toffee to set.

Why is parkin cake eaten on Bonfire Night? ›

The origins are unclear – they could be pagan or linked to All Saints' Day – but for centuries it's been enjoyed at the start of November, usually on 'Parkin Sunday'. We have the brisk Yorkshire climate that favours oats over wheat to thank for parkin.

What is traditionally burnt on top of the bonfire? ›

Generations of families have fashioned Guy Fawkes dummies to burn atop bonfires. Children would stuff old clothes with newspaper and wheelbarrow their effigy around asking for money to buy fireworks.

What do you cook in a campfire? ›

16 Surprising Recipes You Can Cook Over a Campfire
  1. Campfire Pizza Cone. Who doesn't love pizza? ...
  2. Bread on a Stick. Can you imagine how amazing this warm, freshly made bread would be on a campout? ...
  3. Campfire Stew. ...
  4. Chorizo Zucchini Chili. ...
  5. Campfire Nachos. ...
  6. Campfire Sliders. ...
  7. Foil Packet Chicken Dinner. ...
  8. Grilled Shrimp.

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